Tax Specialist (60-80%)

What would your role be?

Project Phase – System Implementation

• Define and validate tax requirements for the new core banking system (e.g. withholding tax, QI/FATCA, CRS/AIA, stamp duty, depending on jurisdiction)

• Translate regulatory and tax requirements into functional specifications together with IT and project teams

• Design, execute, and document test cases; support user acceptance testing and sign-off

• Act as tax subject-matter expert throughout the project, ensuring tax logic is correctly reflected in system configuration

Ongoing System Ownership

• Maintain and continuously improve tax parameters and processes within the core banking system

• Analyze complex tax transactions and regulatory requirements, and translate changes in tax law into system and process adjustments

• Own the quality of the reporting database: testing, quality assurance, identification and resolution of data discrepancies

• Drive digitalization and optimization of existing tax-related processes

• Prepare and maintain functional documentation, work instructions, and process descriptions

Day-to-Day Advisory

• Serve as first point of contact for tax questions from Relationship Managers and, where relevant, their clients

• Provide guidance on withholding tax, double taxation treaties, residency, and reporting obligations

• Train and onboard new colleagues on tax topics and system processes

• Work closely with internal stakeholders (Tax, Compliance, IT), and where applicable international custodians/counterparties

What are we looking for?

• Degree in business, finance, law, or a comparable field, ideally with a tax-focused specialization or further qualification (e.g. Steuerfachwirt, Steuerberater).

• Several years of relevant experience in bank taxation, ideally including withholding tax processes (e.g. US and/or European markets) and QI/FATCA, CRS/AIA.

• Experience in a comparable role — such as tax operations, tax reporting, or a similar function at a custodian bank or financial institution — is a strong plus.

• Proven ability to analyze complex tax and regulatory topics and translate them into system requirements and process changes.

• Experience with core banking systems (e.g. Avaloq, Finnova, Temenos, Olympic) or willingness to build this expertise.

• Affinity for process optimization and digitalization; experience maintaining or testing reporting databases is an advantage.

• Strong communication skills and ability to explain tax topics clearly to non-tax colleagues (Relationship Managers) and clients.

• Fluent in German and English.

• Affinity for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a willingness to embrace AI-enabled tools and ways of working.

What do we offer?

• Top Düsseldorf location with collaboration spaces.

• All the latest technology to help you excel and advance.

• Agile environment in how we think, the way we work and our trust for each other.

• Opportunities for further training and mentoring to foster your professional development.

• Flat hierarchy with collaboration at all levels.

• Collaborative spirit.

We are looking for talented people, not just a CV that ticks all the boxes. Even if you do not have absolutely everything we have asked for, if this role sounds like a good fit for you, we encourage you to apply.

Why Vontobel?

At Vontobel, you are building better futures for our clients and society, as well as for yourself. As a family-owned and publicly listed company with over 2,000 professionals based in 28 locations globally and headquartered in Zurich, we’re committed to long-term thinking and sustainability.

Our diverse team values unique perspectives, and we hire individuals determined to deliver in a dynamic and changing world. Even if you don’t meet all the criteria, we encourage you to apply if you’re enthusiastic about the role.

Do you want to be Vontobel?